Old Kings Elementary School's Chrystiana Butler-McPherson receives a check from the Flagler County Education Foundation for All Kids Bike. Courtesy photo.
Flagler County Fire Rescue Lt. Thomas Cope, Flagler Palm Coast High's Fire Leadership Academy's instructor, receives a check to support the program from the Flagler County Education Foundation. Courtesy photo
Indian Trails Middle School's Michelle Schmachtenberger (left) receives a check from Flagler Education Foundation's Madison Asbill, Teresa Rizzo and Maryiotti Johnson for Pathways to Independence. ITMS Principal Ryan Andrews at right. Courtesy photo
Imagine School at Town Center's Dorene Charles receives a check from the Flagler Education Foundation for Ohana Oasis Discovery Garden. Courtesy photo
Donna Masiello of Belle Terre Elementary School (second from left) receives a check from the Flagler Education Foundation for Little Learners, Big Futures. Courtesy photo
Bunnell Elementary School's Cathie Zanella (third from left) receives a check from the Flagler Education Foundation for Garden to Table. Courtesy photo
Amanda Johnston of Matanzas High School receives a check for Digital Media/Multimedia Foundations from the Flagler Education Foundation prize patrol. Courtesy photo
The Flagler County Education Foundation surprised educators across the district on Sept. 4 by delivering $75,000 in Hunter Grants to support Flagler Schools' Classroom to Careers programs.
The grants are made possible by the Paul B Hunter and Constance D Hunter Charitable Foundation. Unlike general classroom enrichment grants, the Hunter Grants are targeted to support career technical education, industry-aligned coursework and practical skill-building.
This year's grants included specialized gear and equipment Flagler Palm Coast High School's Fire Leadership Academy; advanced technology and equipment for STEM programs; and environmental science resources for school agricultural programs.
“The Hunter Foundation’s continued investment in our students and educators is helping us create meaningful pathways from the classroom to future careers,” said Teresa Rizzo, the Ed Foundation's executive director. “This $75,000 investment provides our Classroom to Careers programs with resources that allow students to gain hands-on experience, explore career opportunities and develop skills that will prepare them for what comes next. We are incredibly grateful to the Hunter Foundation for their partnership and their continued commitment to the students of Flagler Schools.”
In addition to career technical education, one program that the Ed Foundation provided funding through the grants early on, Rizzo said, was the Friends for All Abilities Program.
“This is a districtwide program designed to provide students with disabilities opportunities to build friendships and engage socially with their peers in a welcoming and inclusive environment,” Rizzo said. “The program provides a wonderful opportunity for students to develop friendships, strengthen social skills and feel a greater sense of belonging within their school community.”
Here are the recipients of the $75,000 Hunter Grants:
INDIAN TRAILS MIDDLE SCHOOL
Pathways to Independence: Schmachtenberger.
Design, Model, Solve: Van Der Werf.
Supplies for Success: Morden.
MATANZAS HIGH SCHOOL
Digital Media/Multimedia Foundations: Johnston
BUDDY TAYLOR MIDDLE SCHOOL
Integrated Technology Studies: Crews
FLAGLER PALM COAST HIGH SCHOOL
Catering On and Off Site: Williams
FPC Esports Program: Mastropierro
FPCHS Fire Leadership Program: Cope
IMAGINE TOWN CENTER
Ohana Oasis Discovery Garden: Charles
OLD KINGS ELEMENTARY
Future Ready NESTers: Borbely
All Kids Bike: Butler-McPherson
BUNNELL ELEMENTARY
Garden to Table: Zanella
BELLE TERRE ELEMENTARY
Little Learners, Big Futures: Masiello
To learn more about the Flagler County Education Foundation or how Classroom to Careers programs are shaping future leaders in Flagler County, visit flagleredfoundation.org.
